Beijing: The Buddhist Association of China on Thursday issued a statement addressing the recent claims made by the 14th Dalai Lama concerning his reincarnation. The statement challenges the Dalai Lama’s assertions and underscores the central government’s role in determining the reincarnation process.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Buddhist Association of China stated that the 14th Dalai Lama’s “Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama” violates established precepts and makes unsubstantiated claims regarding his reincarnation. The association emphasized that since the 5th Dalai Lama, the central government has been responsible for conferring the title of Dalai Lama, which lends the position its religious status and historical legitimacy.
The statement further elaborates that the central government holds the authority to make final decisions on the reincarnation process, and this decision is not within the discretion of the 14th Dalai Lama. Historically, a comprehensive set of traditional religious rituals and conventions has governed the search for spiritual successors of the Dalai Lamas.
The association highlighted the importance of the lot-drawing ceremony from the golden urn, a procedure that must be followed for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. This process requires the selected candidate to be approved by China’s central government to ensure public credibility and religious authority.
Additionally, the statement pointed out that the National Religious Affairs Administration has implemented the Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism. These measures strictly regulate all reincarnation procedures for Living Buddhas, including those of the Dalai Lama.